Celebrating 13 years of Nootana
Eclipse & Equinox 9/20/25 & 9/21/2025
This September, Nootana kicks off its 13th season with Eclipse and Equinox—a cosmic journey through Indian classical music and dance. Inspired by the New Moon, partial solar eclipse, and autumn equinox, this show flows with the force of the heavens, transcending borders and connecting communities.
Innovation in Tradition. Community in Creation.
About Nootana, Inc.
Founded in 2012, Nootana is a 100% volunteer-run Indian classical music and dance ensemble dedicated to reimagining tradition through innovation, collaboration, and community. Drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit word for “innovation,” Nootana blends classical technique with new ideas, integrating music, movement, storytelling, and themes from around the world and across the DC metropolitan area.
Today, Nootana is home to nearly 40 active resident artists and a broader network of over 85 contributors, including alumni and volunteers. Our ensemble features musicians and dancers trained in various Indian classical forms, coming together to create original works that educate, engage, and inspire diverse audiences.
In 2018, Nootana and its Founder/Director Rishi Das were honored with NBC4’s Working 4 the Community award for their contributions to the Asian American and Pacific Islander community in the DC area.
As a growing organization, Nootana is always looking for new collaborators—whether you’re a classical musician or dancer, an aspiring intern, a lighting or stage design enthusiast, a stage manager, or even a volunteer tailor. If you’re passionate about the arts and want to be part of something meaningful, there’s a place for you in our community.
The Preronadayini “Inspiration-Giver” Award
Named from the Sanskrit word meaning “Inspiration Giver,” Nootana’s Preronadayini Award honors champions of the arts who are creating space for others, advancing accessibility, and inspiring creativity across communities. Each year, the award is presented to individuals whose work uplifts the arts in meaningful, boundary-breaking ways—whether through performance, education, leadership, or advocacy.
Past honorees include Manjula Kumar (2017), Brooke Kidd (2018), Nistha Raj Wright (2022), Shruthi Mukund (2024), Neha Misra (2024), and this year’s recipients: Lakshmi Swaminathan (2025) and Alif Laila (2025). These artists, curators, and visionaries represent the very spirit of Preronadayini—catalysts who inspire through action and illuminate the path for others to follow.